Engineering principals of the Siphon Float System are suggested below. There are also links at the bottom of the page to download construction details in both CAD and PDF format. If there are any questions about a system or a necessary modification to improve the system to meet the design standards, please contact us using the form at the bottom of the page or email us at info@siphontech.com
Calculating Flow Rates
The table below displays the suggested design flow rates for the Siphon Float System which may be one or multiple siphon pipes. The standard erosion control system comes with two, two-inch diameter siphon pipes that may be placed at
independent head pressures. Modifying the orifice size at the outfall control structure, the flow rate may also be adjusted. The corresponding flow rate dpendent upon outfall orifice size and head pressure is detailed in each table below. The flow rates for each siphon are approximate and should be used for design purposes only. Actual flow rates must be field verified to be accurately described due to a variety of unique variables that may affect
flow. Siphontech is not responsible for any variations from the suggested flow rates. Modifications, such as elevations of the outfalls and orifice sizes may be easily adjusted in the field to fine tune the necessary
flow rate based upon flow accuracy requirements.
Siphon Flow Rate Table for a Single 1" Diameter Outfall Oriface
Head Pressure
50' Length of Pipe
100' Length of Pipe
200' Length of Pipe
0.5 Feet
0.0035cfs
0.0024cfs
0.0016cfs
1.0 Feet
0.0063cfs
0.0040cfs
0.0024cfs
1.5 Feet
0.0080cfs
0.0050cfs
0.0033cfs
2.0 Feet
0.0095cfs
0.0062cfs
0.0039cfs
2.5 Feet
0.011cfs
0.0073cfs
0.0046cfs
3.0 Feet
0.012cfs
0.0081cfs
0.0052cfs
3.5 Feet
0.013cfs
0.0089cfs
0.0058cfs
4.0 Feet
0.013cfs
0.0096cfs
0.0064cfs
4.5 Feet
0.014cfs
0.010cfs
0.069cfs
5.0 Feet
0.015cfs
0.011cfs
0.0074cfs
Siphon Flow Rate Table for a Single 2" Diameter Outfall Oriface
Head Pressure
50' Length of Pipe
100' Length of Pipe
200' Length of Pipe
0.5 Feet
0.022cfs
0.015cfs
0.010cfs
1.0 Feet
0.036cfs
0.023cfs
0.015cfs
1.5 Feet
0.048cfs
0.032cfs
0.026cfs
2.0 Feet
0.058cfs
0.040cfs
0.026cfs
2.5 Feet
0.065cfs
0.046cfs
0.029cfs
3.0 Feet
0.073cfs
0.051cfs
0.029cfs
3.5 Feet
0.078cfs
0.056cfs
0.038cfs
4.0 Feet
0.083cfs
0.060cfs
0.041cfs
4.5 Feet
0.088cfs
0.064cfs
0.044cfs
5.0 Feet
0.093cfs
0.067cfs
0.047cfs
Sediment Capture Efficiency & Surface Water Protection Calculations
Sediment Capture and Surface Water Protection are primary functions of the Siphon Float System.
Sediment capture efficiency equations for standard skimmer systems should be utilized as defined by governing municipalities. Most states specify the necessary method required to calculate the efficiency of a skimmer to capture sediment. A stormwater design engineer should be consulted for the necessary calculations.
The Siphon Float System may be used in both dry and wet sediment basins. We recommend digging the sediment basin as deep as practical to allow for maximum storage of sediment and creating a permanent water level within the basin. The siphon float system will work in a dry basin, but the intake must remain below the outfall structure in order to maintain fluid within the siphon for repeated use between storms. A permanent waterbody is also recommended to slow fluid and reduce turbidity, eliminating the necessity of porous baffles. Design requirements may vary per the governing municipality.
Surface water protection is available through the Siphon Float System. It removes fluid 4 to 6 inches below the surface of a fluid body providing the necessary protection but may be adjusted to deeper removal levels to meet design requirements.
Download Erosion Control Details (AutoCAD)Download Erosion Control Details (PDF)
